Celebrating inspiring educators - University of St Andrews

Our visit to the University of St Andrews was an unusual one as it started with a trip to the local airport. After battling with holiday makers, a short flight, a tram, two trains, and a taxi, we finally made it to sunny St Andrews, an afternoon ahead of our filming schedule. We took the time to look around the beautiful town and get some ideas for general visual shots in our latest case study with the prestigious university.

The first thing that struck us, was the sheer magnificent beauty of the place. It looked like a film set in all its charm, the quintessential blueprint for any perfect little town with historic ruins, artisan delicatessens and sunny sea views. We walked around, captivated by the literary wonderment of the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. 

On filming day, we first met with Sammy, a Senior Registry Administrator. Sammy was one of the most infectious people we'd ever met. Her larger than life personality and rambunctious laugh had the crew and I in fits of giggles all morning. Sammy introduced us to the team of people that worked in the Advice and Support Centre (The ASC). We discovered that it was here, where students could come to ask anything at all, a central hub of support. Whilst we were chatting to staff in The ASC, we observed students dropping by and asking about international visas, their exam schedule, and accommodation queries. The staff were trained in all areas of support and used Tribal's Student Support software to log queries and find the best possible resolution for them. It really was a slick operation.

The staff were trained in all areas of support and used Tribal's Student Support software to log queries and find the best possible resolution for them. It really was a slick operation. 

After chatting with the support team, we headed off to film our first interviewee of the day with a gentleman called Daniel Farrell, who was an Assistant Registrar (in academic data management) at the university. Daniel was an incredibly busy man so we were honoured when he personally took the time to show us around the campus and gave us some of the historical insights into the much-loved establishment, including its royal heritage. Daniel spoke to us at length about how the university focused on the student experience in everything it does, and how working with Tribal, he could improve the applicant process so that the 'nuts as bolts' of data remained behind the scenes. 

We also spoke to Jane. Jane had previously been a student at St Andrews and now works in the academic data team. Jane was able to talk about her experience at the university as a student, and as a member of staff, and share how things had changed. Jane told us how the students' expectations had changed over the years due to a growing reliance on technology and what the university was doing to exceed student expectations. She talked candidly about how the Tribal tools they used were helping to make it easier for students to apply online, in any language, around the world. She also talked passionately about how important it was for technology to 'just work'. After speaking with Jane for a short time, it was clear that her focus was on making sure the students have a positive experience with the university, and that the technology they use was up to the job of ensuring that the student experience was a great one.

Jane told us how the students' expectations had changed over the years due to a growing reliance on technology and what the university was doing to exceed student expectations.

As we swept the corridors of the ancient buildings, we looked on in awe of the magnitude and impressiveness of the halls of residence as we witnessed sociable student life, and students engaged in practical study. It would have been hard not to be impressed by the University of St Andrews and all it had to offer. Being their technology provider gave me a huge sense of pride to know that we're helping them to achieve their goals of improving the student experience and empowering education for students all over the world.

Watch the video here: